Is Mobile broadband available in Thailand? Operating on the 3G/GSM on the 2100/900 MHz.

A USB modem with a SIM cardis used.

If so what are the costs and how good is the service.

And are pre -paid sevices for mobile broadband available?

The USB modem can be used with any computer, notebook, laptop or desktop.

If you are not in a 3G area it automatically transfers to the GSM/GPRS network.

Speeds can be between 512Kb/s and 3 Mb/s.

Outside Bangkok, even in rural areas there is a 2100 MHZ connection available from CAT at a flat rate of 850/900 bhat per month, stable and fast. Starter pack, which includes the modem and an outdoor aerial, is about 10000 bhat. I use this connection and I'm happy with it. Video streaming, skype with webcam etc. is no problem.

I doubt it's on the 2100 MHz network, but on the 850 MHz (True) and 900 MHz bandwidth.

As we all know there are no licenses yet for the 2100 MHz bandwidth, so we enjoy something like 2.5G in Thailand ...

Speeds though can be the same as on 2100 MHz ... Remember though, you need specific hardware.

If you can access the 900MHz GSM/GPRS network all you require is the USB standard modem. The service supplied is subject to service availability.

It is certainly a viable option to fixed line broadband

How many GB per month for 850/900 THB and what is charged for excess useage?

USB Modem cost in Australia is about $100. An antenna would only be used if you were mobile in a vehicle.

Outside Bangkok, even in rural areas there is a 2100 MHZ connection available from CAT at a flat rate of 850/900 bhat per month, stable and fast. Starter pack, which includes the modem and an outdoor aerial, is about 10000 bhat. I use this connection and I'm happy with it. Video streaming, skype with webcam etc. is no problem.

This is not on the GSM network!

CAT uses the CDMA EV-DO system. No simcard I think, modem is hard coded.

Works in about 50 odd provinces. The other 20 odd provinces (greater Bangkok and the whole Eastern Seaboard area) are covered by Hutch, with only Pattaya having the faster EV-DO service, rest is CDMA 1X with speeds similar to gprs/edge.

3G coverage in Thailand is far and between.

Bangkok:

TOT on (I think) 1900 Mhz. Pretty good coverage in the city.

True on 850 Mhz, apparently coverage concentrated around the sky train route.

Chiang Mai:

AIS on 900 Mhz

Bang Saen:

AIS on 900 Mhz

And that's it!

The only other fast mobile internet is CAT on the CDMA network and Hutch on the same network has the fast version in Pattaya only.

CAT has no internet access in Hutch area's and vice versa, even though they use the exact same system.